Helen Dyer

Head of TLC The Learning Centre, a unique independent school for children and young people ages 11-18yrs with Special Educational Needs. Providing strategic direction to the school; leading TLC through a time of significant change and growth; sharing an ambitious vision for the school and implementing a strong theory of change.

Principal at Melrose Education (2022-01 – Present)

Head of TLC The Learning Centre, a unique independent school for children and young people ages 11-18yrs with Special Educational Needs. Providing strategic direction to the school; leading TLC through a time of significant change and growth; sharing an ambitious vision for the school and implementing a strong theory of change.

• Inspiring and leading a team of Senior Leaders, Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Administrators to deliver exceptional educational, pastoral, social and emotional support services to the school's pupil cohort
• Developing, influencing and implementing policy across the company; particularly in the role of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead for Melrose Education nationwide (14 schools)
• Ensuring the school is fully compliant to Independent School Inspectorate and OFSTED requirements at all times; deploying appropriate staff to keep the school compliant to all legal and quality assurance frameworks as well as ensuring policy, procedure and outcomes reach way beyond compliance to excellence
• Driving forward developments and improvements in curriculum, therapeutic services, organisational structure, SEND provision, financial effectiveness, health and safety; overseeing operations & meeting KPIs; collaborating with and reporting regularly to those in governance
• Establishing and maintaining staff morale in a sector where there are myriad challenges and innovating to improve staff retention, through attention to staff wellbeing and creating a culture of openness
• Improving financial efficacy and securing sustainability of the school through diligent management of budget, income & expenditure, allocation of resources, meeting occupancy KPIs and collaborating with Melrose central team
• Embracing and identifying where technology & AI can be utilised to best effect in infrastructure; leading digital transformation, implementing and embedding MIS systems and learning, assessment and safeguarding platforms
• Maximising the impact of collaborating with Stakeholders and securing mutually beneficial partnerships across all sectors
• Taking accountability and role-modelling for staff, pupils and the wider school community; showing integrity in all actions and working collaboratively to problem-solve in challenging situations
• Independent Schools Association Membership – working alongside other ISA Heads and members for CPD, maintaining standards and remaining up-to-date with good practice and legislation

Chief Executive Officer at CASPA (2005-01 – 2022-12)

Leading CASPA, with vision, through establishment and rapid growth to become a highly regarded charity. Shortlisted for National Diversity Award (Community Organisation for Disability) 2015 and 2022.

• Developing and delivering on strategy, working collaboratively with the staff team and Board of Trustees
• Overseeing a wide range of services serving upwards of 700 autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families
• Managing a team of 60+ staff and volunteers, effectively supporting them and their development in order for them to perform to their maximum potential
• Innovating - enabling new services to be developed and ensuring existing services meet high standards
• Listening to stakeholders in order to understand what is needed across the organisation and the autistic/disabled community
• Amplifying the voice of those underrepresented in mainstream environments; coproducing projects and forging partnerships which enabled greater visibility
• Generating revenue and ensuring financial stability; developing fundraising strategies and overseeing implementation, ensuring diverse income streams including community fundraising, corporate, trust & foundation and large funding bids
• Representing the charity, the autistic community and the voluntary sector publically and on a wide range of boards and committees; focusing on maximising partnerships locally and regionally
• Promoting the charity, its cause and advising/consulting on building inclusive environments; delivering training and speeches nationwide, engaging a multitude of organisations in inclusive strategy development

Director at Pro-Thinc Theatre Company (2003-01 – 2006-12)

Establishing & Leading this innovative, community focused theatre company in delivering a range of theatre and education projects funded by various bodies including Sutton & Merton PCT, LB of Merton, LB of Bromley, LB of Sutton and The National Lottery. Specialising in Sex & Relationships and Drug and Alcohol education workshops for schools, colleges, PRUs and the youth justice service.

• Fundraising & negotiating contracts with statutory and trust funders
• Directing and devising impactful theatre and workshop programmes for vulnerable groups including refugees and asylum seekers, teenage parents, young offenders, parents on parenting orders and learning disabled people, focusing on enabling self-expression and the exploration of issues affecting their lives
• Managing all aspects of the company from payroll to fundraising, marketing, legal and compliance

Education Officer at Theatre Royal Stratford East (2003-01 – 2005-12)

Working within the Education Department in this iconic, diverse theatre to develop and deliver issue based educational programmes to the community.

• Directing Youth Theatre performances

Assistant Director (Community & Education) at Sutton Theatres (1999-01 – 2003-12)

Establishing and leading the community and education department at Sutton Theatres.

• Developing formal and informal education programmes and teaching OCN & HND students
• Directing and performing in main house shows

Senior Tutor at Second Wave Youth Arts (2001-01 – 2007-12)

Leading educational theatre based programmes for young people from diverse backgrounds.

• Co-creating innovative programmes including 'Critical Encounters', a boundary-pushing programme bringing together the Met Police with young people to collaboratively explore the dynamics between them and tensions within the South London community
• Teaching drama and other courses within Second Wave and externally in Lewisham Pupil Referral Units

BA (Hons) in Theatre Studies – University of Surrey (1995-1998) 2:2

A-Levels – Hayes School (1993-1995) English Literature (A), Sociology (A), History (B)

GCSEs - Hayes School (1988-1993) English Lit (A), English Lang (A), Art (B), Maths (C), Science Dual Award (CC), French (C), History (C), Music (C), Drama (C), RE (C), RSA Background to Business - Distinction